Global Commerce

Consumer Safety. Environmental Safety. National and International Security.

These are just a few reasons why the toy industry strictly adheres to global regulations.

As a worldwide leader, The Toy Association collaborates closely with international toy associations, foreign governments, and national standards bodies to advance toy safety, align global standards, and advocate on key legislative and regulatory issues impacting toy companies.

Does your company do substantial business outside of North America? Consider joining The Toy Association’s international membership category. These members receive direct guidance on global issues and participate in the International Affairs Committee. To date, the committee has addressed India market access, Brazil conformity assessment, and various proposals in EU member states. Contact Bernadette Boyle to learn more.

Information & Resources

Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)

Automated Commercial Environment is the commercial trade processing system used by the U.S. to automate border processing, enhance border security, and foster U.S. economic security through lawful international trade and travel. It streamlines manual processes so the trade community can efficiently comply with U.S. laws and regulations. Visit ACE by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more information.

 

Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)

C-TPAT, a voluntary program uniting government and industry, improves the international supply chain by bolstering U.S. border security. Participants ensure the integrity of security practices and verify security guidelines of business partners in the supply chain. Benefits include “fast-lane” border crossings and other incentives. Visit C-TPAT by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more information.

 

Simplified Entry Program/Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Simplified Entry Program allows importers to file, prior to arrival, simplified entry forms reducing redundant data. It informs importers in advance whether shipments will be approved to enter U.S. commerce or whether additional documents are needed. Cargo security is enhanced as the program allows Customs and Border Protection to identify potential problems earlier in the process. The program allows shippers to resolve any problems prior to entry into the U.S. and to obtain goods faster. Visit Simplified Entry Program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to learn more.

 

Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the United States

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the United States is the primary way to determine tariff classifications for goods imported into the U.S. It can also be used for classifying goods exported from the U.S. into other countries because it’s based on the global system of terms used to describe most goods, which is maintained by the World Customs Organization. Nearly every country bases its tariff schedule on the WCO’s Harmonized System. Goods are classified based on name, use, and/or the material used in construction. Goods are assigned a 10-digital classification code and there are currently 17,000 codes. The toy industry is covered in chapter 95 of the document.

 

Importer Self-Assessment Program

Importers that have successfully undergone a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Focused Assessment (FA) within the past 12 months are eligible for automatic transition into the ISA Program without further CBP review. This is designed for U.S. or Canadian importers, C-TPAT members, those agreeing to develop a risk-based self-testing plan, and those complying with ISA program requirements. This is also available for U.S. importers that have successfully completed a Compliance Improvement Plan (CIP) following an FA, and have been deemed to pose an acceptable risk after CBP follow-up. Importers will also not be required to undergo an ISA application review meeting, but will remain required to comply with the program requirements, one of which is membership in C-TPAT.

Dodd-Frank Act Conflict Minerals Reporting Requirements

Section 1502 of Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act states that publicly traded companies must disclose their use of conflict minerals originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or an adjoining country. The goal is to stop rebel groups from illegally using profits from the minerals to fund their activities. This requires companies to determine whether their products contain conflict minerals and report it to the Securities and Exchange Commission annually. Conflict Minerals Resource Center is a helpful website featuring the latest information to comply with current SEC Conflict Minerals regulations.

 

 

Intellectual Property Rights

Counterfeiting, piracy, and other related violations pose health and safety risks to consumers and cost billions of dollars in lost revenue. Take the necessary steps to protect IPRs by staying current with trademarks, copyrights, trade names, and more. Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website to learn how the CBP can help protect your intellectual property.

 

 

Lacey Act

The Lacey Act is the world’s first ban on trade in illegal wood. It prohibits all trade in plant and plant products illegally sourced from any U.S. state or foreign country. It requires importers to declare the country of origin of harvest and species name of all plants contained in their products. It establishes penalties for violation of the Lacey Act, including forfeiture of goods and vessels, fines, and jail time. Visit the United States Department of Agriculture website to learn more.

Mercosur Tariffs

The Common Market Committee of the Mercosur nations of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay have a 35% tariff on toys for all Mercosur countries. The goal is to shield their domestic producers from global competition.